graffiti artist on the walls of religion

What are the similarities between Jesus and the church? What are the differences? Who is it that determines these?

(This cartoon originally appeared on the friendly atheist.)

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I spoke with a young woman today who shared with me a story about what I would call a numinous experience which she had. Her story shook me. Here’s why.

Even though I endeavour to become a good and wise man, I still realize how cynical, sceptical and bitter I can be. Hardhearted even. Stiff-necked. Sometimes I see my hard heart in the mirror and it horrifies me, breaking my heart all over again.

The German theologian Rudolf Otto claimed that the numinous experience has two aspects:

1. mysterium tremendum, which invokes fear and trembling; and
2. mysterium fascinans, which attracts, fascinates and compels.

When we have a numinous experience, it also often has a personal quality to it so that we feel to be in communion with a “Wholly Other“. It is at this point where we attempt to label that which we experienced with labels of deities we already possess, such as God, the Holy, or the Spirit, or Brahmin, etc. Or it may lead into another new supernatural system of belief.

All that aside. After she and I spoke, I started recalling the numinous experiences I’ve had that have radically changed my life and direction. I remember the dreams. I remember the visions. I remember the revelations like thunderclaps in my brain. I remember the overwhelming physical sensations, uncalled for, uninvited, unexpected, leaving me undone. I remember the events I still cannot explain. There is this “Wholly Other” that I cannot articulate.

At least this: Let my heart stay soft. Let my mind stay open.

Needless to say, this is a tough position to be in. Adversarial. Hostile. Behind enemy lines.

We have a lot to learn. About love.

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Do you ever wonder if even Jesus can put you back together again?

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By now it is no secret to you that I abhor visionary thinking for the church. I’m not against visionary thinking for individuals, businesses, and other organizations. But when it comes to the church, I claim the healthiest church communities lack visionary thinking and goal setting from their DNA.

I’ll have more to say about this in the near future.

I argue this at length and with a number of cartoons in my newest book, Without a Vision My People Prosper, available on Amazon (click on the title!).

I was talking with my counselor yesterday. (Yes, I’m going through therapy like anyone going through major transitions should. In fact, I endorse having someone you can talk with on a regular basis no matter how healthy you think you are.) After a while she pointed out that I still have a lot of disappointment and maybe even some anger about the church. She suggested that I’m still “infected with the virus” and that I still have more work to do.

I know. This older cartoon points that out. It isn’t easy leaving something we are so enmeshed in. Plus there are powerful forces at work, not just our own, attempting to keep us enmeshed.

To want to break free is the first step. To finally break free is the next. To heal from the years of atrophy is the longest work.

Just email me if you want to talk. My fees are reasonable and adjustable.

Check out my books and my gallery.